Arta

Capital, transport hub, as well as the prefecture's commercial and administrative centre. The city is studded with archaeological sites and is full of life, with charming pedestrian zones, modern shopping centres, cafès and bars.

The prefecture of Arta contains imposing mountains covered in spruces, fertile plains, roaring rivers and lagoons with important ecosystems. It is one of Greece's most beautiful regions and is located between the Tzoumerka mountain range and the Amvrakikos gulf.

It makes up the north-eastern part of Epirus. The varied scenery of the prefecture combines the beauty and harshness of the Greek mountains with the gentle and shallow beaches of the gulf of Amvrakikos and the fertile valleys of the Arahthos river.

Built on the edge of the Peranthi hill and the banks of the Arahthos river (which provided irrigation for ancient Amvrakia), Arta is undeniably known for its internationally famous bridge. According to the myth, the foreman's wife lays in its foundation. In 168 B.C., after the city was pillaged by the Romans, its residents fled to Nikopolis. It has been capital many times, while as ancient Amvrakia it was capital of the kingdom belonging to Pyrrhus, the king of the Molossians.

In 1204, it became the capital of the Principality or Despotate of Epirus, where it flourished. It is located 370 km NW of Athens (via Rio-Antirio) and 444 km SW of Thessaloniki.

A walk in Arta:

At the famous bridge of Arta, known for its unique architecture, which connects the banks of the Arahthos river. The bridge was built in the period of the Despotate of Epirus and is 145 m long.

At the portions of the ancient Amvrakia wall fortifications.

At the Byzantine castle (13th century), where general Makriyiannis and his men were imprisoned by the Turks during the Revolution of 1821.

At the municipal open theatre, near the castle’s entrance, where the clock tower stands.

At the Skoufa Folklore Museum, in the western part of the bridge, in an 1864 privately-owned neoclassical building.

At the Skoufa Museum of History.

At the National Resistance sqaure. A place with shops, cafès and bars, where the area's residents gather.

At the church of the patron saint Aghia Theodora, an important Byzantine monument (13th century).

At the church of Aghios Vasilios, a single-navel basilica (14th century).

At the church of Panagia Parigoritisa (13th century), one of the most important Byzantine churches in Greece. Its refectory houses the city’s archaeological collection.

At the “Skoufas” club library.

At the public exhibition centre.

At the “Dioni” convention centre.

At the Fail Tzami, an almshouse from the 15th century, surrounded by age-old trees.

At the forest of the Peranthi hill, where a tourism stand operates.

At the Monastery of Kato Panagia (13th century), on the foot of the hill.

Touring - By car & motorbike

At Gramenitsa, 4 km N, amidst the olive groves and citrus trees, with a wonderful view of Arta. A the village of Vlaherna you can visit the church of Panagia tis Vlahernas from the 12th century B.C., containing two graves which are believed to hold the remains of Epirus Despots. The picturesque artificial lake of Pournariou was created near the area’s hydro-electric plant.

At Peta, 8 km E, a village with traditional houses, built amphitheatrically on a hill with a view of Arta. Don’t forget to visit the triple-naved basilica of Aghios Georgios (18th century), at the beautiful square with sycamore trees and traditional coffee shops where you can sample the local tsipouro and liqueurs. The Monastery of Panagia (18th century) contains a small epitaph from 1643 which is embroidered with gold, two gold-plated shrines and a gospel from 1833.

At Aneza, 12 km SW, a town built in a valley containing many aquatic bird species. You can visit the ruins of ancient Amvrakia’s fortifications in the bay of Fidokastro.

At Koboti, 14km SE, a town built in an area full of olive trees containing many traditional stone houses and public buildings. This is the homeland of Nikolaos Skoufas, one of Filiki Eteria’s founders. The church of Ag. Georgios built in 1741 is wonderful.

At Kommeno, 16 km SE. A lowland agricultural village near a small river which flows into the Amvrakikos Gulf.

At Ammotopos, 17.5 km NW, where you can visit the ruins of the ancient settlement of Orraon. The famous Arta stone slabs are excavated from the wider region.

Visitgreece.gr is the official tourism web site for Greece, run by the Greek National Tourism Organisation, where you'll find information on the main tourist destinations, such as cities, beaches, as well as activities, events and much more!